by Elsea

Created on: August 09, 2010

Here are simple tricks for a better browsing experience on the internet:

1.  Do not waste hours on social sites.  These sites can be extremely captivating and will undoubtedly bring you up to speed with currents “trends”.  They should be visited like adults eat candy: not often since they are not nutritious in the long run.

2.  Consider creating your own locally-stored web pages containing custom links.   Such files are easily created with free web-page making software.  One may create a simple list of frequently used emails and websites.  This can be especially beneficial if you use a local email program such as Outlook or Thunderbird, as the new message window will open immediately.

3.  Spend some time organizing and manipulating your bookmarks toolbars!

4.  Remember that you can toggle the full-screen mode by pressing the F11 key.  This is very handy for long winded articles when you need to sit back and perhaps use a custom zoom. Also, F5 to refresh!


In addition, here is a security primer for improved internet security on the internet:

1.  Never execute files from emails you do not recognize!  While browsing, never execute files that are requested by the browser that you are not expecting!

 2.  Be aware of ill-intended redirections.  This happens when a link is not what it should be, and forwards your surf experience to various internet forgeries and virus-laden web sites.  The cause may be a hacker who deliberately modified a link or even a mischievous webmaster forcing surfers to visit his web page.

3.  Do not fall prey to the malware called "Anti-Virus Software 2000" or other such variants.  This incredibly invasive redirection brings you to a web-page which looks exactly like a Microsoft window, alerting you to “discoveries” of various viruses on your computer.  It proceeds to display fake results and requires you to purchase a program to clean your computer.  

At this point, you will not be able to exit your browser window, since the web page will be initiating messages boxes in an endless loop.  Truly, you must be careful to avoid clicking any of these requests.  

If you happen to be redirected to this mischievous web site, follow these simple steps to avoid the installation it so aggressively pushes to obtain.  First, be calm.  Remind yourself that you have not authorized any accesses to your computer that internet browsing conventions require.  Ignore the alerting progress bar and fake virus results that the web page is showing.  Then, press CTRL-ALT-DELETE and click on the processes tab.  You will find listed your internet browser (ex: iexplore.exe or firefox.exe) and you will terminate the execution.  This will allow you to restart your browser safely.

If this program is allowed to install, much difficulties may abound in restoring your pc’s security.  Some variants of this malware will prevent the execution of certain security software, such as Spybot’s Search & Destroy as well as registry editing. The important thing is to recognize these applications such as the “Fake Anti-Virus 2000”.


Safe surf!

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